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The 100th Meridian
Initiative:
A Strategic Approach to
Prevent the Westward
Spread of Zebra Mussels
and Other Aquatic
Nuisance Species
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
100th Meridian
The 100th Meridian
Initiative:
A Strategic Approach to
Prevent the Westward Spread
of Zebra Mussels and Other
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Prepared by:
Susan Mangin
Division of Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Endorsed by:
The Western Regional Panel
cover Zebra mussel illustration: Rick Hill
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
I. Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
II. Preventing the Westward Spread . . . . . . . . . . . 7
III. The Initiative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
IV. Operational Needs and Estimated Costs . . . . 14
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Table of
Contents
i
This Initiative is based on an action plan, developed by the Western
Regional Panel, to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS)
west of the 100th meridian (The 100th Meridian Initiative - Draft Action
Plan, January 1998). The basic tenets of the action plan have been
expanded and refined through the cooperative efforts of numerous
dedicated biologists and managers, many of whom are the front line
defense for combating ANS in the west. Their experience, knowledge,
and vision ensure that implementation of this Initiative will help prevent
the spread of zebra mussels and other ANS into the west.
In particular, I would like to thank Gary Edwards and Robert Peoples
who were the driving forces behind this Initiative. Their concern about
the impact that zebra mussels and other ANS could have on native
ecosystems and manmade structures in the west motivated them to guide
this project to completion. Hannibal Bolton provided unwavering support
for this project and directed my work load so that the majority of my
time was dedicated to developing and completing this project.
Finally, I would like to recognize Linda Drees, Bob Pitman, and Kim
Webb. Their professionalism and dedication to preventing, controlling,
and eradicating ANS has been an inspiration. Their willingness to share
insights and suggestions relative to this Initiative has been invaluable.
It has been a tremendous pleasure working with all those who
contributed to this Initiative.
Acknowledgments
ii
1
Zebra mussels are prolific alien invaders that have rapidly become
established in waters of the eastern United States and Canada. These
natives of the Black, Caspian, Azov and Aral Sea drainage basins were first
discovered in Lake St. Clair near Detroit, Michigan, in 1988. By 1991, they
had spread throughout the Great Lakes basin and are now established
throughout the Mississippi River basin and are spreading west into
Oklahoma. Except for Oklahoma, zebra mussels have not been detected in
open waters of the West. However, without effective prevention measures,
their invasion into the West is a real and imminent possibility.
Zebra mussels are causing significant economic and ecological impacts
throughout their range. They have biofouled thousands of municipal and
industrial water delivery systems, resulting in annual expenditures of up to
several $100,000 for control and detection activities. They are significantly
impacting aquatic ecosystems, altering nutrient flow, decimating native
mussel populations, and providing a sink for environmental contaminants.
The major pathway for zebra mussels to invade the West is not from the
ballast water of ships but from boats, personal watercraft, and related
equipment transported from infested to uninfested waters. Zebra mussels
attach to hulls, trailers, and other exposed locations on boats, boating
equipment, and personal watercraft. Their free-living larva can enter
motors, live wells, or other moist areas and may remain viable for more
than 10 days when attached to boat hulls (Tyus, Dwyer, and Whitmore
1993). Their adaptability, their lack of natural predators, and the propensity
of boaters to move their boats from one body of water to another have
facilitated the rapid spread of zebra mussels throughout their current
range.
Additional pathways for the spread of zebra mussels and other ANS are
also a major concern for western States and Tribes and public and private
entities. These other pathways must be addressed, but formulating plans to
deal with them will take time and resources. Consequently, this Initiative’s
primary focus is on the transfer of zebra mussels and other ANS through
recreational activities and commercial boat hauling. Additional pathways
will be addressed as resources permit.
Amendments to Public Law 101-636 call for the development of a program
to prevent the spread of zebra mussels west of the 100th meridian. This
100th Meridian Initiative outlines management activities that will help
prevent, detect, and control zebra mussels and other ANS in 100th
meridian jurisdictions and west. The 100th meridian jurisdictions include
Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and
Manitoba.
The goals of the 100th Meridian Initiative are to: 1) prevent the spread of
zebra mussels and other ANS in the 100th meridian jurisdictions and west
and 2) monitor and control zebra mussels and other ANS if detected in
these areas. These goals will be achieved by addressing seven components:
1) information and education, 2) voluntary boat inspections and boater
surveys, 3) commercially hauled boats, 4) monitoring, 5) rapid response, 6)
identification and risk assessment of additional pathways, and 7) evaluation.
The 100th Meridian Initiative represents the first comprehensive and
strategically focused effort, involving Federal, State, Tribal and Provincial
entities, potentially affected industries, and other interested parties to
begin addressing pathways to prevent the westward spread of zebra
mussels and other ANS. Success will depend on the commitment and
support of these groups to aggressively combat the introduction and spread
of these destructive invaders.
Executive
Summary
A. Dispersal
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are indigenous to the Aral,
Caspian, Azov, and Black Seas. In the 19th century, zebra mussels invaded
northern European rivers that empty into the Black Sea (Karnaukhov and
Karnaukhov 1993). They became dispersed throughout Europe by barges
once the canal system became connected over 200 years ago. By 1930, they
had spread into Great Britain. Since the early 1920’s, scientists postulated
that zebra mussels could be spread to the United States through shipping
(Nalepa and Schlosser 1993).
Zebra mussels were first discovered in Lake St. Claire in the Great Lakes
region in 1988. They probably arrived in the ballast water of vessels
originating from Europe. They rapidly spread and by 1992 were found in
all five Great Lakes. They have now spread throughout the Mississippi
River drainage as far south as New Orleans and as far west as the
Arkansas River in Oklahoma. They have also spread eastward into the
Hudson River drainage and Lake Champlain.
Attaching to ships and barges has been a major pathway by which zebra
mussels have become dispersed throughout the Great Lakes and the
Mississippi River basin. Other pathways such as waterways flowing
between infested and uninfested areas, trailered boats, personal
watercraft, aquaculture activities, the aquatic plant aquarium trade, and
fishing gear and bait have also contributed to their distribution.
Zebra mussels’ ability to spread by attaching themselves to boats, personal
watercraft, and related equipment is a major concern because they can
remain viable under adverse environmental conditions. Adults can live out
of water for up to 10 days if they are in shaded humid areas. Boats
spending as little as 1 or 2 days in infested water can carry zebra mussels
on their hulls, engine drive units, and anchor chains. Zebra mussel larvae
can be carried in boat bilge water, live wells, bait buckets, and engine
cooling water systems even if the boat has been in infested water for only a
short time (New York Sea Grant Extension Fact Sheet 1994).
Conditions leading to the initial dispersion for zebra mussels in the East do
not exist for western waters. Specifically, transport on boats and barges in
western tributaries of the Mississippi River is constrained by relatively
short navigable reaches and limited riverine traffic. In addition, those
areas flow away from the area of concern. Also, environmental conditions
in the arid and semiarid West may aid in deterring the spread of zebra
mussels.
The primary pathways for the western spread of zebra mussels will be
through their transport on recreational boats, associated equipment, and
personal watercraft. A survey conducted at the U.S./Canada border of
boaters and boats in watersheds that contribute to surface water in
Manitoba produced alarming results. Ninety-three percent of the boats
originated from jurisdictions with waters containing zebra mussels, 5% had
been in waters with zebra mussels within the past 5 days, 60% had been
drained, and only 32% had been cleaned since boating in zebra mussel
infested waters (Fish Futures, Inc. 1994). A separate survey was conducted
for boats entering Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Utah. Results
indicate that numerous boats entering Lake Powell were from areas
infested with zebra mussels (National Park Service information).
Zebra mussel transfer via trailered boats is a real threat. Inspectors from
California’s Department of Food and Agriculture have found both live and
dead zebra mussels on 18 trailered boats transported into the State from
the fall of 1993 until the spring of 1999 (California Department of Food and
Agriculture).
I. Background
2
B. Biology and Life History
Zebra mussels vary morphologically, hence the species name “polymorpha”
meaning many forms. Although most have jagged lateral black or brown
stripes, some have longitudinal bands while others are totally cream or
black (Marsden 1992). They can grow up to 2 inches in length but most are
under an inch (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Zebra Mussels (Don Schloesser)
Zebra mussels mature between 12 to 18 months under favorable conditions
and can spawn more than once annually. One female can produce over 1
million eggs per season (Miller et al. 1992). Fertilized eggs become free
swimming larvae (veligers) that eventually attach to hard surfaces and
develop into hard-shelled juvenile mussels (post veligers). Preferred
substrates include stone, wood, concrete, iron/steel, aluminum, plastics, and
fiberglass (O’Neill 1996). As many as 700,000 post veligers/m2 have settled in
raw water systems during one spawning season (Miller et al. 1992; McMahon
et al. 1993). They have formed mats up to 12-inches thick (Tyus, Dwyer, and
Whitmore 1993).
Zebra mussels spread rapidly to different areas and thus are also called the
“wandering mussel” (Nalepa and Schloesser 1993). They can drop their
attachments (byssal threads) and move to other locations and then
regenerate threads to reattach. They form buoyant strands that allow them
to drift with the currents. Zebra mussels can also use their muscular foot to
move (Tyus, Dwyer, and Whitmore, 1993). Zebra mussels have been found
in water as deep as 180 feet but most often occur at depths between 6 to 12
feet (Mackie, et al. 1989).
3
C. Economic Impacts
Zebra mussels are having devastating economic effects on municipal and
residential drinking water delivery systems, power plant intakes, and
industrial facilities that use raw surface water. They biofoul water delivery
systems beginning at the site of water intake and then multiply throughout
the facility (O’Neill 1996) (see Figure 2).
Figure 2. Zebra Mussels Fouling Pipe (Don Schloesser)
Zebra mussel layers greater than 0.3 meters have been found in intake
mains of some Great Lakes facilities. A 1- to 2-mm layer of zebra mussels
throughout a pipeline can reduce water-carrying efficiency by 5% to 10%
due to increased friction. Unlike saltwater or estuarine raw water systems,
most inland raw water systems are generally not designed to deal with
macrofouling organisms. Screens used to prevent fish impingement or to
remove debris allow zebra mussel veligers to pass, resulting in the
colonization of the facility’s raw water piping system (O’Neill 1996).
Biofouling of conduits results in head loss and increased pumping
resistance. Tubing may become clogged, ultimately leading to components
overheating. Zebra mussels can clog service and water lines and can
damage vital plant components or cause safety hazards if the flow for fire
control systems is impeded (ibid).
Due to their filtration activities, they may not leave enough particulate
matter to provide effective coagulation at water treatment plants. This may
require the plant to change its treatment technology, increasing operating
costs. In addition, as zebra mussels selectively feed on green algae, an
increased portion of blue-green algae is present. This may cause water to
have a foul taste and odor, also increasing treatment costs (ibid).
Controlling zebra mussels is costly. Results of a 1995 study indicated that
between 1988 and 1995 facilities expended over $69 million in zebra mussel-related
expenses such as monitoring and control (O’Neill 1995). A paper
company spent $1.4 million to remove 400 cubic yards of zebra mussels
from its intake in Lake Michigan (USGS 1997). In Ontario, Canada, the
costs of preventing zebra mussel infestations at 8 hydro power facilities, 86
municipal plants, and 67 industrial plants were over $172 million. To control
zebra mussels in the Great Lakes, small and large volume water users may
annually spend $20,000 and $460,000, respectively (Indiana DNR).
4
D. Boating Impacts
Zebra mussels biofoul boat hulls causing surface damage and increasing
drag, which increases fuel costs. Boat motors are also affected and can
become overheated due to clogged water inlets. Although antifouling paints
may prevent zebra mussels from building up on hulls, their use is banned
or restricted in some States because of adverse effects on other aquatic
organisms.
E. Ecological Impacts
Habitat loss is the primary cause for the decline in native mussels.
However, zebra mussels have added a new threat. Zebra mussels often
attach around the gape of native mussels, preventing them from opening
and closing their valves (see Figure 3). They may even cover the native
mussel’s entire surface and then begin settling on top of each other.
(Mackie, 1989).
Figure 3. Zebra Mussels Attached to Native Mussel (Don Schloesser)
Zebra mussels also compete with native mussels for food, which may be
responsible for the community-wide unionid decrease in some areas in the
East. In Lake Erie, mean densities of 6,777 zebra mussels per native
mussel were found (Schloesser and Kovalak 1991).
An adult zebra mussel can filter about one liter of water per day. These
filtering activities increase water clarity allowing deeper light penetration,
encouraging the growth of benthic organisms. Zebra mussels have
increased the water clarity of Lake Erie up to 600% and reduced some
types of phytoplankton by up to 80% (Sea Grant Great Lakes Network
1998).
F. Potential Impacts
The establishment of zebra mussels west of the 100th meridian could
devastate water resource projects, raw water users, and aquatic
ecosystems. If zebra mussels become established in headwater reservoirs,
they would likely inhabit/colonize thousands of canals used to transport this
water. This infested water would also be pumped to agricultural and
municipal areas, thus spreading the mussels over large areas in a relatively
short time. In lower elevations and wetter climates, surface water could
become contaminated from waters originating at higher elevations. Once
this water is transported to downstream receiving areas, they too would
become infested (Tyus, Dwyer, and Whitmore 1993).
5
Although the western most point of the zebra mussel invasion is the
Arkansas River in Oklahoma, there is increasing concern that they could
severely impact western economies and ecology if they invade further west.
For example, if zebra mussels invaded California, they could negatively
impact hundreds of reservoirs, thousands of miles of steel and concrete
pipes and canals, water gates and intakes, fish screens, filter plants,
agricultural irrigation systems, and other water delivery system
components. A large portion of California’s population depends on the State
Water Project and the Central Valley Project to deliver their water from
upstream sources. These water management projects with their shallow,
warm canals could provide optimal chemical and physical conditions for
zebra mussels. If zebra mussels become established in areas such as the
Sacramento/San Joaquin delta, they could eliminate populations of rare
aquatic species, change biotic communities’ composition, and change the
physical and chemical conditions of aquatic habitats.
In a study of 160 potential sites for zebra mussel establishment in
California, 44% had a high potential, 2% had a moderate potential, and 54%
had low or no potential for colonization (Cohen and Weinstein 1998). Waters
conducive to zebra mussel establishment included facilities such as the
Delta-Mendota Canal, the California and South Bay Aqueducts, the Los
Angeles Aqueduct, the Colorado River Aqueduct, the All American Canal,
and associated reservoirs.
Zebra mussel infestations could increase the Central Arizona Project
operations and maintenance costs between $4 and $5 million annually.
This does not include the costs to customers, farmers, and water treatment
plants (Dreissena! 1998). Water delivered in the west by the Bureau of
Reclamation is utilized by farmers to provide the annual food requirements
of 38 million people. These water deliveries can be adversely affected by
the presence of zebra mussels and other ANS, resulting in maintenance
costs in the 10’s of millions of dollars.
6
In an effort to prevent the western invasion of zebra mussels, the 1996
amendments to the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and
Control Act of 1990 (Act) require the Western Regional Panel (Panel)
(established by the Act) to make recommendations to the Aquatic Nuisance
Species Task Force (Task Force) “regarding an education, monitoring
(includes inspection), prevention, and control program to prevent the
spread of the zebra mussel west of the 100th meridian.” The 100th
Meridian Initiative is in response to that requirement (see Figure 4).
The Panel was established under Section 1203 of the Act and is comprised
of representatives from western Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies,
and private and commercial interests. The basis for the 100th Meridian
Initiative was an action plan developed by the Panel that recognized the
significance of trailered boats as a pathway and the special circumstances
impeding the westward spread of zebra mussels. The Panel submitted the
100th Meridian Initiative to the Task Force for review and approval.
The Task Force, established under Section 1201 of the Act, is comprised of
Federal agencies and ex-officio members. The Task Force, chaired by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, is responsible for the development and implementation of a
program to prevent introduction and dispersal of ANS; to monitor, control,
and study such species; and to disseminate related information. Upon
approval of the 100th Meridian Initiative by the Task Force, Federal
funding may be available to cost share with other sources to support
implementation.
Figure 4. Zebra Mussel Sightings (1999 U.S. Geological Survey Map with
100th Meridian Added)
II. Preventing
the Westward
Spread
7
Zebra mussels on trailered boats
Confirmed zebra mussel sightings
100th Meridian
The 100th Meridian Initiative is a unique program involving a wide range of
partners who are integral in preventing the westward spread of zebra
mussels and other ANS. The Initiative’s goals are attainable through the
combined effort of these partners and implementation of the following
components.
Goals and Components
The goals of the 100th Meridian Initiative are to 1) prevent the spread of
zebra mussels and other ANS in the 100th meridian jurisdictions and
west and 2) monitor and control zebra mussels and other ANS if
detected in these areas. Seven components will be addressed to achieve
these goals.
1) Information and Education: Inform and educate the public about the
ecological and economic impacts of zebra mussels, the pathways by
which they spread, and what actions can be taken to prevent their
spread.
2) Voluntary Boat Inspections and Boater Surveys: Prevent the spread
of zebra mussels in the 100th meridian jurisdictions and west through
voluntary boat inspections and boater surveys (see Appendix).
3) Commercially Hauled Boats: Prevent the spread of zebra mussels in
the 100th meridian jurisdictions and west by boats being hauled
commercially and/or for professional fishing tournaments.
4) Monitoring: Establish monitoring sites on waters in the 100th
meridian jurisdictions and west to determine if zebra mussels and other
ANS are present.
5) Rapid Response: Eradicate or contain zebra mussels immediately
following detection.
6) Identification and Risk Assessment of Additional Pathways:
Establish a program to identify additional pathways by which zebra
mussels and other ANS could be introduced west of the 100th meridian.
Evaluate these pathways and develop an action plan for those having
potential risks.
7) Evaluation: Ensure the effectiveness of the 100th Meridian Initiative
in preventing the westward spread of zebra mussels and other ANS.
III. The Initiative
8
This component builds on current efforts directed at preventing the spread
of zebra mussels by recreational water activities such as boating and using
personal watercraft. Component elements will focus on the detrimental
effects of zebra mussels; the impacts of transporting them in or on
recreational boats, related equipment, or personal watercraft; and the steps
necessary to avoid transport to uninfested waters. Recreationalists using
infested waters east of the 100th meridian and those trailering boats or
personal watercraft from the east to areas west of the 100th meridian
will be targeted. Information will be disseminated through numerous
means including print and electronic news coverage, public service
announcements, billboards, articles in boating and fishing magazines,
talks to sportsmen clubs, posters and brochures placed at marinas and
boat landings, and brochures packaged with boating and fishing licenses.
As boaters using major highways approach the 100th meridian from the
east, the zebra mussel message will become more intense. Posters and
brochures identifying the problem and detailing the inspection and survey
process will be placed prominently in rest areas and at restaurants, motels,
and gas stations at interchanges. Key messages will be displayed on
billboards and highway signs along the 11 targeted interstate highway
corridors. Just prior to reaching the inspection sites, highway signs and
short-range radio announcements will inform travelers of the inspection
and survey sites and urge their participation.
Tasks required to implement this component include:
1) Complete development of a theme, brochure, poster, and sticker
describing the Initiative. (This task has been completed.)
2) Print 500,000 brochures.
3) Produce 2,500 posters.
4) Produce 100,000 stickers.
5) Place and replenish brochures and posters at visitor centers, weigh
stations, and rest areas west of the Mississippi River.
6) Produce and erect billboards to be used on 11 highway corridors.
7) Develop and print zebra mussel advisory signs.
8) Post zebra mussel advisory signs at public water access sites west of
the Mississippi River.
9) Create TV and radio public information spots on preventative messages
including inspections.
10) Broadcast spots on radio and TV.
11) Attend boating and sportfishing shows to advertise the Initiative.
12) Place Initiative information in State boater registration packages and
fishing regulations when feasible.
13) Develop articles for newspapers and magazines.
Component I
Information and Education
Objective: Inform and educate the
public about the ecological and
economic impacts of zebra mussels,
the pathways by which they spread,
and what actions can be taken to
prevent their spread.
9
Trained personnel will conduct voluntary boat inspections and boater
surveys at highway stops located on 11 major highway corridors entering
the 100th meridian jurisdictions and at marinas and launch ramps at
selected lakes in States west of the 100th meridian. These selected
highways are: US2, I-94, US12, I-90, I-80, I-70, US54, I-40, I-20, I-10, and
I-44 (see Figure 5). Locations for highway inspections will include weigh
stations, highway rest areas/welcome centers, restaurant/service/motel
complexes on interchanges, and retailers. Inspections will target boats,
trailers, and associated equipment such as anchors and anchor lines.
Boaters will be surveyed to learn where their boat has been, what is their
destination, etc. (see Appendix). Boaters will receive a brochure explaining
the Initiative and what actions they can take to prevent the spread of zebra
mussels.
Component II
Voluntary Boat Inspections and
Boaters Surveys
Objective: Prevent the spread of
zebra mussels in the 100th meridian
jurisdictions and west through
voluntary boat inspections and
boater surveys.
10
Data will be collected using the boat inspections and surveys and other
unobtrusive means such as counting the number of boats that passed by
inspection stations without stopping. Additional data including the number,
types, and timing of boats being trailered on each highway corridor and
why boaters declined to have their boats inspected will be collected. In
addition, State and provincial transportation departments will be asked to
develop data to expand the information collected at inspection sites by
identifying trailered boats in ongoing State vehicle surveys. Inspection and
survey results will be sent for processing to the USFWS, 500 Gold Avenue,
S.W., Albuquerque, NM 87102, Attn: Bob Pitman.
These data will be analyzed to include unit costs of various activities. The
cost effectiveness of alternative education and information approaches and
the adequacy of education efforts alone, in the absence of inspections, will
be assessed. These data will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the
100th Meridian Initiative.
Tasks required to implement this component include:
1) Develop standard inspection procedures.
2) Hire and train boat inspectors.
3) Develop, reproduce, and disseminate inspection and survey forms.
4) Submit completed forms to the Service.
Figure 5.
Major Highways
A. Commercial Boat Haulers
Between 1993 and l998, zebra mussels had been found on 18 vessels passing
through California Agricultural Inspection stations. Some of these vessels
were transported by commercial firms that either specialize in hauling
boats or manufacturers of new vessels who haul used boats on their return
trips. Although some firms require the hulls of boats they haul to be power
washed, this practice is not universal. Even when followed, it may not be
effective in removing all zebra mussels or other ANS present. Live
organisms may remain on the hull and in crevices, bilges, bait wells, and
cooling systems of motors. Component III will be supported through
information and education, certification, and inspection programs.
The information and education program will involve locating and contacting
commercial boat hauling firms. Through direct contact and follow up
correspondence, the firms will be informed of the zebra mussel problem,
alerted to the possibility that they may be transporting zebra mussels and
other ANS to uninfested waters, and advised of what actions they can take
to avoid this from occurring.
An ANS inspection training program will be established to teach employees
of boat hauling firms how to properly inspect and clean boats and related
equipment. Employees who successfully complete the training will receive a
certificate. Hauling firms will be encouraged to have their employees
complete the training program and to then begin implementing an
inspection and cleaning program of all boats before they are hauled.
Participating firms will be authorized to place a sticker on boats they haul,
certifying the boat has been inspected for zebra mussels and other ANS.
B. Boats Hauled for Professional Fishing Tournaments
Numerous professional fishing tournaments are held around the country,
resulting in boats being transported from one body of water to another,
including those from zebra mussel infested to uninfested waters. Although
some tournaments require participants to sign a statement that they are
not carrying ANS, this requirement is spotty and often ineffective.
Information, certification, and inspection programs could be implemented
to help ensure that zebra mussels are not spread by those involved with
professional fishing tournaments. State and tribal agencies will be
encouraged to implement tournament regulations addressing the transport
of ANS.
As part of the information program, material about zebra mussels and
other ANS issues will be available at fishing tournaments. Tournament
organizers will be contacted and informed about the zebra mussel problem
and how they can help prevent their spread in 100th meridian jurisdictions
and west. Until an official inspection program is implemented, tournament
organizers will be encouraged to ask participants to inspect their boats
before the tournament begins.
An ANS inspection training program could be established to teach
tournament representatives how to properly inspect and clean boats and
equipment that will be used during the tournament. Representatives who
successfully complete the training would receive a certificate. Tournament
organizers would be encouraged to have their representatives complete the
training program and to begin implementing an inspection and cleaning
program of all boats before they participated in a tournament. Tournament
participants who had their boats inspected would be authorized to place a
sticker on the windshield of their boat certifying the boat had been
inspected for zebra mussels and other ANS. Under this scenario, only boats
with these stickers would be allowed to participate in the tournaments.
Component III
Commercially Hauled Boats
Objective: Prevent the spread of
zebra mussels in the 100th meridian
jurisdictions and west by boats
being hauled commercially and/or
for professional fishing
tournaments.
11
Tasks required to implement this component include:
1) Locate firms that haul boats commercially.
2) Contact those firms explaining the Initiative and requesting their
participation.
3) Meet with representatives of firms to discuss the Initiative.
4) Develop a training program and train boat inspectors.
5) Develop and produce certification for inspectors.
6) Develop, reproduce, and disseminate inspection forms.
7) Develop a list of contacts for professional fishing tournaments.
8) Contact tournament organizers and inform them about the Initiative
and encourage their participation.
9) Attend professional fishing tournaments.
10) Train and certify tournament representatives to inspect boats.
11) Contact State and tribal agencies and encourage them to address the
transportation of zebra mussels and other ANS in their regulations.
A. Background
Although currently undetected, zebra mussels may have already spread
west of the 100th meridian. Effective monitoring is important to ensure
that if zebra mussels are present, they will be detected. Early identification
of zebra mussel infestation can decrease their potential impact on native
resources, manmade structures, and the economy. This component will
expand upon current management activities of Federal water management
agencies, the Service, States, electric utilities, and others. Monitoring
protocol will be developed through a workshop represented by Federal,
State, and private entities. The Service will coordinate efforts to monitor
for the presence or absence of zebra mussels. Findings will be reported to
the National Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Species Information Center
in Gainesville, Florida.
Water bodies in 100th meridian jurisdictions and west will be assessed by
Federal and State agencies to determine their potential for zebra mussel
infestation. Physical and chemical measurements will be evaluated using a
standardized risk assessment protocol along with recreational use patterns.
Maps of assessed sites will be provided to State resource agencies and
high-risk waters will be monitored periodically.
Tasks required to implement this component include:
1) Develop a list of zebra mussel monitoring activities west of the 100th
meridian.
2) Perform risk assessment of bodies of water west of the 100th meridian.
3) Develop maps indicating areas of high, medium, and low risk.
4) Monitor high-risk areas.
A cooperative rapid response effort among government agencies and the
private sector is required to contain zebra mussels once they are detected.
Zebra mussel sightings must be confirmed by qualified entities (Marsden,
1992). Jurisdictions along the 100th meridian and west will be asked to
identify points of contact for receiving and confirming reports and
coordinating response activities. Jurisdictions will also be asked to establish
rapid response teams.
Once a new zebra mussel infestation has been identified, the next most
likely site of infestation will be determined. By reviewing watershed maps
and recreational use patterns, sites that are likely to be invaded next will
be identified.
A national containment and control plan will be developed through a
workshop to identify techniques for controlling and eradicating zebra
mussels. This program will include outreach to educate the public about
where zebra mussels have been sighted and how their transfer from
infested sites can be prevented. Individuals making up a response team will
Component IV
Monitoring
Objective: Establish monitoring
sites on waters in the 100th
meridian jurisdictions and west to
determine if zebra mussels and
other ANS are present.
Component V
Rapid Response
Objective: Eradicate or contain
zebra mussels immediately
following detection.
12
be trained to implement certain aspects of the containment and control
plan if zebra mussel infestations are discovered in 100th meridian
jurisdictions and west. Decisions will be made as to how to handle zebra
mussel containment and control if they are found in large bodies of water
in the West.
Tasks required to implement this component include:
1) Develop a response/containment plan.
2) Train response team.
3) Equip response team.
4) Implement response/containment plan when necessary.
This component will involve the development and funding of a program for
identifying pathways, other than those that are boating and personal
watercraft related, by which zebra mussels and other ANS may become
introduced west of the 100th meridian. A risk assessment for each
pathway identified will be conducted and actions for risk reduction will be
developed. Once specific action plans have been developed, the focus and
funding will be directed toward implementation where feasible. Tasks
required to implement this component are the same as the objective.
As the Initiative evolves, a timely and comprehensive evaluation of the
effectiveness of actions taken is required to respond to needed changes. An
evaluation protocol will be developed to assess whether Initiative
objectives have been and are being met. Deficiencies will be identified and,
if required, modifications will be made.
Evaluations will be conducted by those who directly implement the
Initiative. An annual meeting will be held of key personnel, including
representatives from Federal, State, Provinces, Tribes, and private
agencies, who are implementing the Initiative to discuss the results of the
evaluation. An annual evaluation report will be prepared. Required
changes to the Initiative will be incorporated, and ineffective actions will be
eliminated.
Tasks required to implement this component include:
1) Develop assessment format and disseminate to key persons involved in
implementing the Initiative.
2) Set up an annual meeting to evaluate the Initiative.
3) Develop an annual assessment of the Initiative and make necessary
modifications.
Component VI
Identification and Risk
Assessment of Additional
Pathways
Objective: Establish a program to
identify additional pathways by
which zebra mussels and other ANS
could become established west of
the 100th meridian. Evaluate these
pathways and develop an action
plan for those having potential
risks.
Component VII
Evaluation
Objective: Ensure the effectiveness
of the 100th Meridian Initiative in
preventing the westward spread of
zebra mussels and other ANS.
13
The spread of zebra mussels and other ANS in the West will require a
concerted long-term campaign. Consequently, implementation of the 100th
Meridian Initiative will require a minimum of 5 years and approximately $5
million. First year’s start up costs will be higher than projected costs for
the following years. Cost breakdowns for each Initiative component for the
5-year program are identified in the “Operational Needs and Estimated
Costs” table. The projected costs for this Initiative are but a fraction of the
economic impact that zebra mussels will inflict if they invade and become
established in western waters.
IV. Operational
Needs and
Estimated Costs
14
Operational Needs and Estimated Costs Table
Tasks and associated costs required for implementing the 100th Meridian Initiative.
Component I: Information and Education Participants Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Task 1: Complete development of a USFWS
theme, brochure, poster, and sticker Boat/U.S.
describing the Initiative (completed) BPA
Task 2: Print 500,000 brochures USFWS $50,000
Task 3: Produce 2,500 posters USFWS $1,875
Task 4: Produce 100,000 stickers USFWS $500
Task 5: Place and replenish brochures USFWS $5,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000
and posters at visitor centers, weigh
stations, and rest areas west of the
Mississippi River
Task 6: Produce and erect billboards USFWS $25,000 $22,000 $22,000 $22,000 $22,000
to be used on 11 highway corridors Manitoba
ND, SD, NE
KS, OK, TX
Task 7: Develop and print a zebra USFWS $10,000
mussel advisory sign
Task 8: Post zebra mussel advisory Jurisdictions $3,600
signs at public boat access sites west west of the
of the Mississippi River MS River
Task 9: Create TV and radio public USFWS $10,000 $10,000 $2,000
information spots on preventative Sea Grant
messages including inspections
Task 10: Broadcast spots on USFWS $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
radio and TV
Task 11: Attend boating and USFWS $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000
sportfishing shows to advertise Sea Grant
the Initiative States
Task 12: Place Initiative information 100th meridian
in State boater registration packages jurisdictions
and fishing regulations when feasible and those west
Task 13: Develop articles for USFWS
newspapers and magazines Sea Grant
States
Provinces
Subtotals $130,975 $58,000 $50,000 $48,000 $48,000
Component II: Voluntary Participants Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
boat inspections and boater surveys
Task 1: Develop standard inspection USFWS $10,000 $2,000
procedures Manitoba
ND, SD, NB,
KS, OK, TX
Task 2: Hire and train boat inspectors USFWS $109,000 $252,000 $504,000 $504,000 $504,000
States
Task 3: Develop, reproduce, and USFWS $200 $100 $50 $50 $50
disseminate inspection and survey forms
Task 4: Submit completed forms USFWS $36 $36 $36 $36 $36
to USFWS MB, ND, SD,
NB, KS, OK,
TX
Subtotals $119,236 $254,136 $504,086 $504,086 $504,086
Component III: Commercially hauled boats
Task 1: Locate firms that haul USFWS $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000
boats commercially
Task 2: Contact those firms
explaining the Initiative and requesting
their participation
Task 3: Meet with representatives of
firms to discuss the Initiative
Task 4: Develop training program for USFWS
boat inspectors
Task 5: Develop and produce USFWS $1,500
certification for inspectors
Task 6: Develop, reproduce and USFWS $150 $50
disseminate inspection forms
Task 7: Develop a list of contacts for USFWS $4,000
professional fishing tournaments
Task 8: Contact tournament organizers USFWS $5,000 $2,000
and inform them about the Initiative
and encourage their participation
Task 9: Attend professional fishing USFWS $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
tournaments States west
of the
MS River
Task 10: Train and certify tournament USFWS
representatives to inspect boats
Task 11: Contact State and USFWS $10,000 $7,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000
tribal agencies and encourage them
to address the transportation of
zebra mussels and other ANS in
their regulations
Subtotals $49,000 $39,000 $35,000 $36,650 $35,050
15
Component IV: Monitoring Participants Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Task 1: Develop a list of zebra mussel USFWS $7,000
monitoring activities west of the
100th meridian
Task 2: Perform risk assessments USFWS $250,000 $175,000 $100,000
of bodies of water west of the 100th BOR, Corps
meridian BLM, States,
Power Co.
Task 3: Develop maps indicating areas USFWS $30,000 $80,000 $50,000
of high, low, and medium risk
Task 4: Monitor high-risk areas USFWS $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000
BOR, Corps
BLM, Tribes
States, Provinces,
Power Co.
Subtotals $637,000 $605,000 $500,000 $350,000 $350,000
Component V: Rapid Response
Task 1: Develop a response/containment plan USFWS $10,000
BOR, BLM
Tribes, States
Provinces
Task 2: Train response team USFWS $50,000
Task 3: Equip response team USFWS $100,000
Task 4: Implement response/containment USFWS $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000
plan when necessary
Subtotals $190,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000
Component VI: Identification and risk USFWS $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
assessment of additional pathways BOR $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
BLM $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
States
Provinces
Subtotals $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000
Component VII: Evaluation
Task 1: Develop assessment format USFWS $1,000
and disseminate to key persons involved
in implementing the Initiative
Task 2: Set up annual meeting to USFWS $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000
evaluate the Initiative
Task 3: Develop an annual assessment USFWS $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000
of the Initiative and make necessary BOR, BLM
modifications States, Provinces
Subtotals $9,000 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000
Grand Totals $1,165,211 $1,024,136 $1,157,086 $1,006,736 $1,005,136
16
TRAILERED BOAT SURVEY INTERVIEW FORM
Interviewer:_________________________Date:______Time:________am/pm
Location: _________________________________________________________
Type of Survey: Contact____ Observe____
Where From?
Purpose of Transport: Commercial ____ Personal ____
Other (explain) ____________________________________________________
Home State: ______ Zip Code: __________ Boat Number:______________
Trailer Tag: ______________________
How often has this boat been launched this year? __________
Do you remember where (you launched most recently)?
Water body 1______________________________________________________
State: ________ County: ____________________________________________
Water body 2______________________________________________________
State: ________ County: ____________________________________________
Water body 3______________________________________________________
State: ________ County: ____________________________________________
Water body 4______________________________________________________
State: ________ County: ____________________________________________
Where are you going? Do you have a definite destination?
Do you know where you are going to launch next?
Water body 1 _______________________________________ State: ______
Water body 2 _______________________________________ State: ______
Information Exchange: Viewed ____ Read _____Brochures Accepted _____
Results of boat inspection
Rejected: _________ Inspected: _______
Results Zebra Still Any Other Action
Mussels Alive? Vegetation? Exotics Taken
Boat Deck ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Boat Hull ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Bilge, bait wells ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Motor ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Trailer ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Fishing/other equip. ______ ________ ________ ________ ________
Other ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Appendix
100th Meridian Initiative to
Prevent the Westward Spread of
Zebra Mussel
Comments
Comments
17
TRAILERED BOAT SURVEY INTERVIEW SHORT FORM
Lake ___________________________ Park ____________ Date __________
1. Home state __________ ZIP Code ___________
2. Where was the boat used last?
Name of last water body ___________________________________________
State: _________
Number of days: ______
Name of second to last water body __________
State: _________
Number of days: ______
3. Boat was last used _________ (days) ago.
4. Destination from this lake/park __________________ _________ (state)
5. Have you ever heard of zebra mussels? Yes No
6. Have zebra mussels ever been attached to your boat? Yes No
7. Do you remove vegetation from your boat & trailer
after loading the boat? Yes No
Have information describing zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil
available for distribution.
100th Meridian Initiative to
Prevent the Westward Spread of
Zebra Mussel
18
California Department of Food and Agriculture, personal communication.
Cohen, A., A. Weinstein. 1998. The potential distribution and abundance of
zebra mussels in California Dreissena, Volume 9, #1, May 1998, pages 1,
2, and 3.
Dreissena, Volume 9, #1, May 1998, The 100th Meridian Initiative
introduction, page 4.
Fish Futures, Inc. 1994. Zebra mussel survey of boaters and inspection of
boats, summer 1994, border crossings and other key sites, Manitoba
watershed, Dwight Williamson, Manitoba Environment, Winnepeg,
Manitoba, Canada, page 10 (unpublished report).
Indiana Department of Natural Resources discussion with staff.
Karnaukhov, V. N., and A. V. Karnuakhov. 1993. Perspectives on the
ecological impacts of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in the
former USSR and in North America, pages 729-731 from Nalepa, T. F.
and D. W. Schloesser, Editors, Zebra mussels: biology, impacts and
controls, page 810 and from Tyus, H., P. Dwyer, and S. Whitmore, 1993.
Zebra mussels: Feasibility of preventing further invasion of the zebra
mussel into the western United States, page 9.
Machie, G. L. 1989. Biology of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
and observations of mussel colonization on unionid bivalves in Lake St.
Clair of the Great Lakes from Nalepa, T. F., D. W. Schloesser, Editors,
Zebra mussels: Biology, impacts, and control, pages 153 and 162.
Machie, G. L., W. N. Gibbons, B. W. Muncaster, and I. M. Gray. 1989. The
zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha: A synthesis of European
experiences and a preview of North America. Water Resources Branch,
Great Lakes Section, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, London,
Ontario, page 76 and appendices from Marsden, J. E., Standard
protocols for monitoring and sampling zebra mussels, page 4.
Marsden, J. E. 1992. Standard protocols for monitoring and sampling zebra
mussels, pages 2, 3, and 4.
McMahon, R. F., T. A. Ussery, and M.. Clarke. 1993. Use of immersion as a
zebra mussel control method, Department of Biology, University of
Texas at Arlington. Prepared for the U.S. Corps of Engineers, contract
EL-93-1, page 33 from Tyus, H., P. Dwyer, and S. Whitmore, Zebra
mussel feasibility of preventing further invasion of the zebra mussel into
the western United States, page 9.
Miller, A. C., B. S. Payne, and R. F. McMahon. 1992. The zebra mussel:
biology, ecology, and recommended control strategies, U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, Waterways Experiment Station, Publications E-92-1,
Vicksburg, MS, page 5 from Tyus, H., P. Dwyer, and S. Whitmore, Zebra
mussel feasibility of preventing further invasion of the zebra mussel into
the western United States, page 9.
Nalepa, T. F., and D. W. Schloesser, editors. 1993. Zebra mussels: biology,
impacts, and control. Lewis publishers, Boca Raton, Florida, page 810
from Tyus, H., P. Dwyer, and S. Whitmore, Zebra mussels: Feasibility of
preventing further invasion of the zebra mussel into the western United
States, pages 8 and 9.
National Park Service information, Glen Canyon National Recreational
Area.
New York Sea Grant Extension Fact Sheet 1994. Don’t pick up hitchhikers!
Stop the zebra mussel!, 1994.
References
19
O’Neill, C. R. Jr. 1995. Economic impact of zebra mussels: The 1995
national zebra mussel information clearinghouse study, pages 1 and 2.
O’Neill, C. R. Jr. 1996. The zebra mussel: Impacts and control, pages 11, 12,
13, 14, and 17.
Schloesser, D. W., and W. P. Kovalak. 1991. Infestation of unionids by
Dreissena polymorpha in a power plant canal in Lake Erie. Journal of
Shellfish Research 10(2):355-359 from Tyus, H., P. Dwyer, and S.
Whitmore, Zebra Mussels: Feasibility of preventing further invasion of
the zebra mussel into the western United States, page 10.
Sea Grant Great Lakes Network April 7, 1998. Zebra mussels and other
nonindigenous species.
The 100th Meridian Initiative - Action Plan Draft, January 9, 1998.
Tyus, H., Dwyer, W. P., and Whitmore S. 1993. Zebra mussels: Feasibility of
preventing further invasion of the zebra mussel into the western United
States. Pages 9, 19, and 20.
USGS news release September 18, 1997. Zebra mussels are spreading
rapidly, USGS reports.
20
U.S.
FISH & WILDLIFE
SERVICE
DEPARTMENT OFTHE INTERIOR
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
1 800/344 WILD
http://www.fws.gov
February 2001

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The 100th Meridian
Initiative:
A Strategic Approach to
Prevent the Westward
Spread of Zebra Mussels
and Other Aquatic
Nuisance Species
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
100th Meridian
The 100th Meridian
Initiative:
A Strategic Approach to
Prevent the Westward Spread
of Zebra Mussels and Other
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Prepared by:
Susan Mangin
Division of Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Endorsed by:
The Western Regional Panel
cover Zebra mussel illustration: Rick Hill
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
I. Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
II. Preventing the Westward Spread . . . . . . . . . . . 7
III. The Initiative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
IV. Operational Needs and Estimated Costs . . . . 14
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Table of
Contents
i
This Initiative is based on an action plan, developed by the Western
Regional Panel, to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS)
west of the 100th meridian (The 100th Meridian Initiative - Draft Action
Plan, January 1998). The basic tenets of the action plan have been
expanded and refined through the cooperative efforts of numerous
dedicated biologists and managers, many of whom are the front line
defense for combating ANS in the west. Their experience, knowledge,
and vision ensure that implementation of this Initiative will help prevent
the spread of zebra mussels and other ANS into the west.
In particular, I would like to thank Gary Edwards and Robert Peoples
who were the driving forces behind this Initiative. Their concern about
the impact that zebra mussels and other ANS could have on native
ecosystems and manmade structures in the west motivated them to guide
this project to completion. Hannibal Bolton provided unwavering support
for this project and directed my work load so that the majority of my
time was dedicated to developing and completing this project.
Finally, I would like to recognize Linda Drees, Bob Pitman, and Kim
Webb. Their professionalism and dedication to preventing, controlling,
and eradicating ANS has been an inspiration. Their willingness to share
insights and suggestions relative to this Initiative has been invaluable.
It has been a tremendous pleasure working with all those who
contributed to this Initiative.
Acknowledgments
ii
1
Zebra mussels are prolific alien invaders that have rapidly become
established in waters of the eastern United States and Canada. These
natives of the Black, Caspian, Azov and Aral Sea drainage basins were first
discovered in Lake St. Clair near Detroit, Michigan, in 1988. By 1991, they
had spread throughout the Great Lakes basin and are now established
throughout the Mississippi River basin and are spreading west into
Oklahoma. Except for Oklahoma, zebra mussels have not been detected in
open waters of the West. However, without effective prevention measures,
their invasion into the West is a real and imminent possibility.
Zebra mussels are causing significant economic and ecological impacts
throughout their range. They have biofouled thousands of municipal and
industrial water delivery systems, resulting in annual expenditures of up to
several $100,000 for control and detection activities. They are significantly
impacting aquatic ecosystems, altering nutrient flow, decimating native
mussel populations, and providing a sink for environmental contaminants.
The major pathway for zebra mussels to invade the West is not from the
ballast water of ships but from boats, personal watercraft, and related
equipment transported from infested to uninfested waters. Zebra mussels
attach to hulls, trailers, and other exposed locations on boats, boating
equipment, and personal watercraft. Their free-living larva can enter
motors, live wells, or other moist areas and may remain viable for more
than 10 days when attached to boat hulls (Tyus, Dwyer, and Whitmore
1993). Their adaptability, their lack of natural predators, and the propensity
of boaters to move their boats from one body of water to another have
facilitated the rapid spread of zebra mussels throughout their current
range.
Additional pathways for the spread of zebra mussels and other ANS are
also a major concern for western States and Tribes and public and private
entities. These other pathways must be addressed, but formulating plans to
deal with them will take time and resources. Consequently, this Initiative’s
primary focus is on the transfer of zebra mussels and other ANS through
recreational activities and commercial boat hauling. Additional pathways
will be addressed as resources permit.
Amendments to Public Law 101-636 call for the development of a program
to prevent the spread of zebra mussels west of the 100th meridian. This
100th Meridian Initiative outlines management activities that will help
prevent, detect, and control zebra mussels and other ANS in 100th
meridian jurisdictions and west. The 100th meridian jurisdictions include
Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and
Manitoba.
The goals of the 100th Meridian Initiative are to: 1) prevent the spread of
zebra mussels and other ANS in the 100th meridian jurisdictions and west
and 2) monitor and control zebra mussels and other ANS if detected in
these areas. These goals will be achieved by addressing seven components:
1) information and education, 2) voluntary boat inspections and boater
surveys, 3) commercially hauled boats, 4) monitoring, 5) rapid response, 6)
identification and risk assessment of additional pathways, and 7) evaluation.
The 100th Meridian Initiative represents the first comprehensive and
strategically focused effort, involving Federal, State, Tribal and Provincial
entities, potentially affected industries, and other interested parties to
begin addressing pathways to prevent the westward spread of zebra
mussels and other ANS. Success will depend on the commitment and
support of these groups to aggressively combat the introduction and spread
of these destructive invaders.
Executive
Summary
A. Dispersal
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are indigenous to the Aral,
Caspian, Azov, and Black Seas. In the 19th century, zebra mussels invaded
northern European rivers that empty into the Black Sea (Karnaukhov and
Karnaukhov 1993). They became dispersed throughout Europe by barges
once the canal system became connected over 200 years ago. By 1930, they
had spread into Great Britain. Since the early 1920’s, scientists postulated
that zebra mussels could be spread to the United States through shipping
(Nalepa and Schlosser 1993).
Zebra mussels were first discovered in Lake St. Claire in the Great Lakes
region in 1988. They probably arrived in the ballast water of vessels
originating from Europe. They rapidly spread and by 1992 were found in
all five Great Lakes. They have now spread throughout the Mississippi
River drainage as far south as New Orleans and as far west as the
Arkansas River in Oklahoma. They have also spread eastward into the
Hudson River drainage and Lake Champlain.
Attaching to ships and barges has been a major pathway by which zebra
mussels have become dispersed throughout the Great Lakes and the
Mississippi River basin. Other pathways such as waterways flowing
between infested and uninfested areas, trailered boats, personal
watercraft, aquaculture activities, the aquatic plant aquarium trade, and
fishing gear and bait have also contributed to their distribution.
Zebra mussels’ ability to spread by attaching themselves to boats, personal
watercraft, and related equipment is a major concern because they can
remain viable under adverse environmental conditions. Adults can live out
of water for up to 10 days if they are in shaded humid areas. Boats
spending as little as 1 or 2 days in infested water can carry zebra mussels
on their hulls, engine drive units, and anchor chains. Zebra mussel larvae
can be carried in boat bilge water, live wells, bait buckets, and engine
cooling water systems even if the boat has been in infested water for only a
short time (New York Sea Grant Extension Fact Sheet 1994).
Conditions leading to the initial dispersion for zebra mussels in the East do
not exist for western waters. Specifically, transport on boats and barges in
western tributaries of the Mississippi River is constrained by relatively
short navigable reaches and limited riverine traffic. In addition, those
areas flow away from the area of concern. Also, environmental conditions
in the arid and semiarid West may aid in deterring the spread of zebra
mussels.
The primary pathways for the western spread of zebra mussels will be
through their transport on recreational boats, associated equipment, and
personal watercraft. A survey conducted at the U.S./Canada border of
boaters and boats in watersheds that contribute to surface water in
Manitoba produced alarming results. Ninety-three percent of the boats
originated from jurisdictions with waters containing zebra mussels, 5% had
been in waters with zebra mussels within the past 5 days, 60% had been
drained, and only 32% had been cleaned since boating in zebra mussel
infested waters (Fish Futures, Inc. 1994). A separate survey was conducted
for boats entering Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Utah. Results
indicate that numerous boats entering Lake Powell were from areas
infested with zebra mussels (National Park Service information).
Zebra mussel transfer via trailered boats is a real threat. Inspectors from
California’s Department of Food and Agriculture have found both live and
dead zebra mussels on 18 trailered boats transported into the State from
the fall of 1993 until the spring of 1999 (California Department of Food and
Agriculture).
I. Background
2
B. Biology and Life History
Zebra mussels vary morphologically, hence the species name “polymorpha”
meaning many forms. Although most have jagged lateral black or brown
stripes, some have longitudinal bands while others are totally cream or
black (Marsden 1992). They can grow up to 2 inches in length but most are
under an inch (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Zebra Mussels (Don Schloesser)
Zebra mussels mature between 12 to 18 months under favorable conditions
and can spawn more than once annually. One female can produce over 1
million eggs per season (Miller et al. 1992). Fertilized eggs become free
swimming larvae (veligers) that eventually attach to hard surfaces and
develop into hard-shelled juvenile mussels (post veligers). Preferred
substrates include stone, wood, concrete, iron/steel, aluminum, plastics, and
fiberglass (O’Neill 1996). As many as 700,000 post veligers/m2 have settled in
raw water systems during one spawning season (Miller et al. 1992; McMahon
et al. 1993). They have formed mats up to 12-inches thick (Tyus, Dwyer, and
Whitmore 1993).
Zebra mussels spread rapidly to different areas and thus are also called the
“wandering mussel” (Nalepa and Schloesser 1993). They can drop their
attachments (byssal threads) and move to other locations and then
regenerate threads to reattach. They form buoyant strands that allow them
to drift with the currents. Zebra mussels can also use their muscular foot to
move (Tyus, Dwyer, and Whitmore, 1993). Zebra mussels have been found
in water as deep as 180 feet but most often occur at depths between 6 to 12
feet (Mackie, et al. 1989).
3
C. Economic Impacts
Zebra mussels are having devastating economic effects on municipal and
residential drinking water delivery systems, power plant intakes, and
industrial facilities that use raw surface water. They biofoul water delivery
systems beginning at the site of water intake and then multiply throughout
the facility (O’Neill 1996) (see Figure 2).
Figure 2. Zebra Mussels Fouling Pipe (Don Schloesser)
Zebra mussel layers greater than 0.3 meters have been found in intake
mains of some Great Lakes facilities. A 1- to 2-mm layer of zebra mussels
throughout a pipeline can reduce water-carrying efficiency by 5% to 10%
due to increased friction. Unlike saltwater or estuarine raw water systems,
most inland raw water systems are generally not designed to deal with
macrofouling organisms. Screens used to prevent fish impingement or to
remove debris allow zebra mussel veligers to pass, resulting in the
colonization of the facility’s raw water piping system (O’Neill 1996).
Biofouling of conduits results in head loss and increased pumping
resistance. Tubing may become clogged, ultimately leading to components
overheating. Zebra mussels can clog service and water lines and can
damage vital plant components or cause safety hazards if the flow for fire
control systems is impeded (ibid).
Due to their filtration activities, they may not leave enough particulate
matter to provide effective coagulation at water treatment plants. This may
require the plant to change its treatment technology, increasing operating
costs. In addition, as zebra mussels selectively feed on green algae, an
increased portion of blue-green algae is present. This may cause water to
have a foul taste and odor, also increasing treatment costs (ibid).
Controlling zebra mussels is costly. Results of a 1995 study indicated that
between 1988 and 1995 facilities expended over $69 million in zebra mussel-related
expenses such as monitoring and control (O’Neill 1995). A paper
company spent $1.4 million to remove 400 cubic yards of zebra mussels
from its intake in Lake Michigan (USGS 1997). In Ontario, Canada, the
costs of preventing zebra mussel infestations at 8 hydro power facilities, 86
municipal plants, and 67 industrial plants were over $172 million. To control
zebra mussels in the Great Lakes, small and large volume water users may
annually spend $20,000 and $460,000, respectively (Indiana DNR).
4
D. Boating Impacts
Zebra mussels biofoul boat hulls causing surface damage and increasing
drag, which increases fuel costs. Boat motors are also affected and can
become overheated due to clogged water inlets. Although antifouling paints
may prevent zebra mussels from building up on hulls, their use is banned
or restricted in some States because of adverse effects on other aquatic
organisms.
E. Ecological Impacts
Habitat loss is the primary cause for the decline in native mussels.
However, zebra mussels have added a new threat. Zebra mussels often
attach around the gape of native mussels, preventing them from opening
and closing their valves (see Figure 3). They may even cover the native
mussel’s entire surface and then begin settling on top of each other.
(Mackie, 1989).
Figure 3. Zebra Mussels Attached to Native Mussel (Don Schloesser)
Zebra mussels also compete with native mussels for food, which may be
responsible for the community-wide unionid decrease in some areas in the
East. In Lake Erie, mean densities of 6,777 zebra mussels per native
mussel were found (Schloesser and Kovalak 1991).
An adult zebra mussel can filter about one liter of water per day. These
filtering activities increase water clarity allowing deeper light penetration,
encouraging the growth of benthic organisms. Zebra mussels have
increased the water clarity of Lake Erie up to 600% and reduced some
types of phytoplankton by up to 80% (Sea Grant Great Lakes Network
1998).
F. Potential Impacts
The establishment of zebra mussels west of the 100th meridian could
devastate water resource projects, raw water users, and aquatic
ecosystems. If zebra mussels become established in headwater reservoirs,
they would likely inhabit/colonize thousands of canals used to transport this
water. This infested water would also be pumped to agricultural and
municipal areas, thus spreading the mussels over large areas in a relatively
short time. In lower elevations and wetter climates, surface water could
become contaminated from waters originating at higher elevations. Once
this water is transported to downstream receiving areas, they too would
become infested (Tyus, Dwyer, and Whitmore 1993).
5
Although the western most point of the zebra mussel invasion is the
Arkansas River in Oklahoma, there is increasing concern that they could
severely impact western economies and ecology if they invade further west.
For example, if zebra mussels invaded California, they could negatively
impact hundreds of reservoirs, thousands of miles of steel and concrete
pipes and canals, water gates and intakes, fish screens, filter plants,
agricultural irrigation systems, and other water delivery system
components. A large portion of California’s population depends on the State
Water Project and the Central Valley Project to deliver their water from
upstream sources. These water management projects with their shallow,
warm canals could provide optimal chemical and physical conditions for
zebra mussels. If zebra mussels become established in areas such as the
Sacramento/San Joaquin delta, they could eliminate populations of rare
aquatic species, change biotic communities’ composition, and change the
physical and chemical conditions of aquatic habitats.
In a study of 160 potential sites for zebra mussel establishment in
California, 44% had a high potential, 2% had a moderate potential, and 54%
had low or no potential for colonization (Cohen and Weinstein 1998). Waters
conducive to zebra mussel establishment included facilities such as the
Delta-Mendota Canal, the California and South Bay Aqueducts, the Los
Angeles Aqueduct, the Colorado River Aqueduct, the All American Canal,
and associated reservoirs.
Zebra mussel infestations could increase the Central Arizona Project
operations and maintenance costs between $4 and $5 million annually.
This does not include the costs to customers, farmers, and water treatment
plants (Dreissena! 1998). Water delivered in the west by the Bureau of
Reclamation is utilized by farmers to provide the annual food requirements
of 38 million people. These water deliveries can be adversely affected by
the presence of zebra mussels and other ANS, resulting in maintenance
costs in the 10’s of millions of dollars.
6
In an effort to prevent the western invasion of zebra mussels, the 1996
amendments to the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and
Control Act of 1990 (Act) require the Western Regional Panel (Panel)
(established by the Act) to make recommendations to the Aquatic Nuisance
Species Task Force (Task Force) “regarding an education, monitoring
(includes inspection), prevention, and control program to prevent the
spread of the zebra mussel west of the 100th meridian.” The 100th
Meridian Initiative is in response to that requirement (see Figure 4).
The Panel was established under Section 1203 of the Act and is comprised
of representatives from western Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies,
and private and commercial interests. The basis for the 100th Meridian
Initiative was an action plan developed by the Panel that recognized the
significance of trailered boats as a pathway and the special circumstances
impeding the westward spread of zebra mussels. The Panel submitted the
100th Meridian Initiative to the Task Force for review and approval.
The Task Force, established under Section 1201 of the Act, is comprised of
Federal agencies and ex-officio members. The Task Force, chaired by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, is responsible for the development and implementation of a
program to prevent introduction and dispersal of ANS; to monitor, control,
and study such species; and to disseminate related information. Upon
approval of the 100th Meridian Initiative by the Task Force, Federal
funding may be available to cost share with other sources to support
implementation.
Figure 4. Zebra Mussel Sightings (1999 U.S. Geological Survey Map with
100th Meridian Added)
II. Preventing
the Westward
Spread
7
Zebra mussels on trailered boats
Confirmed zebra mussel sightings
100th Meridian
The 100th Meridian Initiative is a unique program involving a wide range of
partners who are integral in preventing the westward spread of zebra
mussels and other ANS. The Initiative’s goals are attainable through the
combined effort of these partners and implementation of the following
components.
Goals and Components
The goals of the 100th Meridian Initiative are to 1) prevent the spread of
zebra mussels and other ANS in the 100th meridian jurisdictions and
west and 2) monitor and control zebra mussels and other ANS if
detected in these areas. Seven components will be addressed to achieve
these goals.
1) Information and Education: Inform and educate the public about the
ecological and economic impacts of zebra mussels, the pathways by
which they spread, and what actions can be taken to prevent their
spread.
2) Voluntary Boat Inspections and Boater Surveys: Prevent the spread
of zebra mussels in the 100th meridian jurisdictions and west through
voluntary boat inspections and boater surveys (see Appendix).
3) Commercially Hauled Boats: Prevent the spread of zebra mussels in
the 100th meridian jurisdictions and west by boats being hauled
commercially and/or for professional fishing tournaments.
4) Monitoring: Establish monitoring sites on waters in the 100th
meridian jurisdictions and west to determine if zebra mussels and other
ANS are present.
5) Rapid Response: Eradicate or contain zebra mussels immediately
following detection.
6) Identification and Risk Assessment of Additional Pathways:
Establish a program to identify additional pathways by which zebra
mussels and other ANS could be introduced west of the 100th meridian.
Evaluate these pathways and develop an action plan for those having
potential risks.
7) Evaluation: Ensure the effectiveness of the 100th Meridian Initiative
in preventing the westward spread of zebra mussels and other ANS.
III. The Initiative
8
This component builds on current efforts directed at preventing the spread
of zebra mussels by recreational water activities such as boating and using
personal watercraft. Component elements will focus on the detrimental
effects of zebra mussels; the impacts of transporting them in or on
recreational boats, related equipment, or personal watercraft; and the steps
necessary to avoid transport to uninfested waters. Recreationalists using
infested waters east of the 100th meridian and those trailering boats or
personal watercraft from the east to areas west of the 100th meridian
will be targeted. Information will be disseminated through numerous
means including print and electronic news coverage, public service
announcements, billboards, articles in boating and fishing magazines,
talks to sportsmen clubs, posters and brochures placed at marinas and
boat landings, and brochures packaged with boating and fishing licenses.
As boaters using major highways approach the 100th meridian from the
east, the zebra mussel message will become more intense. Posters and
brochures identifying the problem and detailing the inspection and survey
process will be placed prominently in rest areas and at restaurants, motels,
and gas stations at interchanges. Key messages will be displayed on
billboards and highway signs along the 11 targeted interstate highway
corridors. Just prior to reaching the inspection sites, highway signs and
short-range radio announcements will inform travelers of the inspection
and survey sites and urge their participation.
Tasks required to implement this component include:
1) Complete development of a theme, brochure, poster, and sticker
describing the Initiative. (This task has been completed.)
2) Print 500,000 brochures.
3) Produce 2,500 posters.
4) Produce 100,000 stickers.
5) Place and replenish brochures and posters at visitor centers, weigh
stations, and rest areas west of the Mississippi River.
6) Produce and erect billboards to be used on 11 highway corridors.
7) Develop and print zebra mussel advisory signs.
8) Post zebra mussel advisory signs at public water access sites west of
the Mississippi River.
9) Create TV and radio public information spots on preventative messages
including inspections.
10) Broadcast spots on radio and TV.
11) Attend boating and sportfishing shows to advertise the Initiative.
12) Place Initiative information in State boater registration packages and
fishing regulations when feasible.
13) Develop articles for newspapers and magazines.
Component I
Information and Education
Objective: Inform and educate the
public about the ecological and
economic impacts of zebra mussels,
the pathways by which they spread,
and what actions can be taken to
prevent their spread.
9
Trained personnel will conduct voluntary boat inspections and boater
surveys at highway stops located on 11 major highway corridors entering
the 100th meridian jurisdictions and at marinas and launch ramps at
selected lakes in States west of the 100th meridian. These selected
highways are: US2, I-94, US12, I-90, I-80, I-70, US54, I-40, I-20, I-10, and
I-44 (see Figure 5). Locations for highway inspections will include weigh
stations, highway rest areas/welcome centers, restaurant/service/motel
complexes on interchanges, and retailers. Inspections will target boats,
trailers, and associated equipment such as anchors and anchor lines.
Boaters will be surveyed to learn where their boat has been, what is their
destination, etc. (see Appendix). Boaters will receive a brochure explaining
the Initiative and what actions they can take to prevent the spread of zebra
mussels.
Component II
Voluntary Boat Inspections and
Boaters Surveys
Objective: Prevent the spread of
zebra mussels in the 100th meridian
jurisdictions and west through
voluntary boat inspections and
boater surveys.
10
Data will be collected using the boat inspections and surveys and other
unobtrusive means such as counting the number of boats that passed by
inspection stations without stopping. Additional data including the number,
types, and timing of boats being trailered on each highway corridor and
why boaters declined to have their boats inspected will be collected. In
addition, State and provincial transportation departments will be asked to
develop data to expand the information collected at inspection sites by
identifying trailered boats in ongoing State vehicle surveys. Inspection and
survey results will be sent for processing to the USFWS, 500 Gold Avenue,
S.W., Albuquerque, NM 87102, Attn: Bob Pitman.
These data will be analyzed to include unit costs of various activities. The
cost effectiveness of alternative education and information approaches and
the adequacy of education efforts alone, in the absence of inspections, will
be assessed. These data will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the
100th Meridian Initiative.
Tasks required to implement this component include:
1) Develop standard inspection procedures.
2) Hire and train boat inspectors.
3) Develop, reproduce, and disseminate inspection and survey forms.
4) Submit completed forms to the Service.
Figure 5.
Major Highways
A. Commercial Boat Haulers
Between 1993 and l998, zebra mussels had been found on 18 vessels passing
through California Agricultural Inspection stations. Some of these vessels
were transported by commercial firms that either specialize in hauling
boats or manufacturers of new vessels who haul used boats on their return
trips. Although some firms require the hulls of boats they haul to be power
washed, this practice is not universal. Even when followed, it may not be
effective in removing all zebra mussels or other ANS present. Live
organisms may remain on the hull and in crevices, bilges, bait wells, and
cooling systems of motors. Component III will be supported through
information and education, certification, and inspection programs.
The information and education program will involve locating and contacting
commercial boat hauling firms. Through direct contact and follow up
correspondence, the firms will be informed of the zebra mussel problem,
alerted to the possibility that they may be transporting zebra mussels and
other ANS to uninfested waters, and advised of what actions they can take
to avoid this from occurring.
An ANS inspection training program will be established to teach employees
of boat hauling firms how to properly inspect and clean boats and related
equipment. Employees who successfully complete the training will receive a
certificate. Hauling firms will be encouraged to have their employees
complete the training program and to then begin implementing an
inspection and cleaning program of all boats before they are hauled.
Participating firms will be authorized to place a sticker on boats they haul,
certifying the boat has been inspected for zebra mussels and other ANS.
B. Boats Hauled for Professional Fishing Tournaments
Numerous professional fishing tournaments are held around the country,
resulting in boats being transported from one body of water to another,
including those from zebra mussel infested to uninfested waters. Although
some tournaments require participants to sign a statement that they are
not carrying ANS, this requirement is spotty and often ineffective.
Information, certification, and inspection programs could be implemented
to help ensure that zebra mussels are not spread by those involved with
professional fishing tournaments. State and tribal agencies will be
encouraged to implement tournament regulations addressing the transport
of ANS.
As part of the information program, material about zebra mussels and
other ANS issues will be available at fishing tournaments. Tournament
organizers will be contacted and informed about the zebra mussel problem
and how they can help prevent their spread in 100th meridian jurisdictions
and west. Until an official inspection program is implemented, tournament
organizers will be encouraged to ask participants to inspect their boats
before the tournament begins.
An ANS inspection training program could be established to teach
tournament representatives how to properly inspect and clean boats and
equipment that will be used during the tournament. Representatives who
successfully complete the training would receive a certificate. Tournament
organizers would be encouraged to have their representatives complete the
training program and to begin implementing an inspection and cleaning
program of all boats before they participated in a tournament. Tournament
participants who had their boats inspected would be authorized to place a
sticker on the windshield of their boat certifying the boat had been
inspected for zebra mussels and other ANS. Under this scenario, only boats
with these stickers would be allowed to participate in the tournaments.
Component III
Commercially Hauled Boats
Objective: Prevent the spread of
zebra mussels in the 100th meridian
jurisdictions and west by boats
being hauled commercially and/or
for professional fishing
tournaments.
11
Tasks required to implement this component include:
1) Locate firms that haul boats commercially.
2) Contact those firms explaining the Initiative and requesting their
participation.
3) Meet with representatives of firms to discuss the Initiative.
4) Develop a training program and train boat inspectors.
5) Develop and produce certification for inspectors.
6) Develop, reproduce, and disseminate inspection forms.
7) Develop a list of contacts for professional fishing tournaments.
8) Contact tournament organizers and inform them about the Initiative
and encourage their participation.
9) Attend professional fishing tournaments.
10) Train and certify tournament representatives to inspect boats.
11) Contact State and tribal agencies and encourage them to address the
transportation of zebra mussels and other ANS in their regulations.
A. Background
Although currently undetected, zebra mussels may have already spread
west of the 100th meridian. Effective monitoring is important to ensure
that if zebra mussels are present, they will be detected. Early identification
of zebra mussel infestation can decrease their potential impact on native
resources, manmade structures, and the economy. This component will
expand upon current management activities of Federal water management
agencies, the Service, States, electric utilities, and others. Monitoring
protocol will be developed through a workshop represented by Federal,
State, and private entities. The Service will coordinate efforts to monitor
for the presence or absence of zebra mussels. Findings will be reported to
the National Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Species Information Center
in Gainesville, Florida.
Water bodies in 100th meridian jurisdictions and west will be assessed by
Federal and State agencies to determine their potential for zebra mussel
infestation. Physical and chemical measurements will be evaluated using a
standardized risk assessment protocol along with recreational use patterns.
Maps of assessed sites will be provided to State resource agencies and
high-risk waters will be monitored periodically.
Tasks required to implement this component include:
1) Develop a list of zebra mussel monitoring activities west of the 100th
meridian.
2) Perform risk assessment of bodies of water west of the 100th meridian.
3) Develop maps indicating areas of high, medium, and low risk.
4) Monitor high-risk areas.
A cooperative rapid response effort among government agencies and the
private sector is required to contain zebra mussels once they are detected.
Zebra mussel sightings must be confirmed by qualified entities (Marsden,
1992). Jurisdictions along the 100th meridian and west will be asked to
identify points of contact for receiving and confirming reports and
coordinating response activities. Jurisdictions will also be asked to establish
rapid response teams.
Once a new zebra mussel infestation has been identified, the next most
likely site of infestation will be determined. By reviewing watershed maps
and recreational use patterns, sites that are likely to be invaded next will
be identified.
A national containment and control plan will be developed through a
workshop to identify techniques for controlling and eradicating zebra
mussels. This program will include outreach to educate the public about
where zebra mussels have been sighted and how their transfer from
infested sites can be prevented. Individuals making up a response team will
Component IV
Monitoring
Objective: Establish monitoring
sites on waters in the 100th
meridian jurisdictions and west to
determine if zebra mussels and
other ANS are present.
Component V
Rapid Response
Objective: Eradicate or contain
zebra mussels immediately
following detection.
12
be trained to implement certain aspects of the containment and control
plan if zebra mussel infestations are discovered in 100th meridian
jurisdictions and west. Decisions will be made as to how to handle zebra
mussel containment and control if they are found in large bodies of water
in the West.
Tasks required to implement this component include:
1) Develop a response/containment plan.
2) Train response team.
3) Equip response team.
4) Implement response/containment plan when necessary.
This component will involve the development and funding of a program for
identifying pathways, other than those that are boating and personal
watercraft related, by which zebra mussels and other ANS may become
introduced west of the 100th meridian. A risk assessment for each
pathway identified will be conducted and actions for risk reduction will be
developed. Once specific action plans have been developed, the focus and
funding will be directed toward implementation where feasible. Tasks
required to implement this component are the same as the objective.
As the Initiative evolves, a timely and comprehensive evaluation of the
effectiveness of actions taken is required to respond to needed changes. An
evaluation protocol will be developed to assess whether Initiative
objectives have been and are being met. Deficiencies will be identified and,
if required, modifications will be made.
Evaluations will be conducted by those who directly implement the
Initiative. An annual meeting will be held of key personnel, including
representatives from Federal, State, Provinces, Tribes, and private
agencies, who are implementing the Initiative to discuss the results of the
evaluation. An annual evaluation report will be prepared. Required
changes to the Initiative will be incorporated, and ineffective actions will be
eliminated.
Tasks required to implement this component include:
1) Develop assessment format and disseminate to key persons involved in
implementing the Initiative.
2) Set up an annual meeting to evaluate the Initiative.
3) Develop an annual assessment of the Initiative and make necessary
modifications.
Component VI
Identification and Risk
Assessment of Additional
Pathways
Objective: Establish a program to
identify additional pathways by
which zebra mussels and other ANS
could become established west of
the 100th meridian. Evaluate these
pathways and develop an action
plan for those having potential
risks.
Component VII
Evaluation
Objective: Ensure the effectiveness
of the 100th Meridian Initiative in
preventing the westward spread of
zebra mussels and other ANS.
13
The spread of zebra mussels and other ANS in the West will require a
concerted long-term campaign. Consequently, implementation of the 100th
Meridian Initiative will require a minimum of 5 years and approximately $5
million. First year’s start up costs will be higher than projected costs for
the following years. Cost breakdowns for each Initiative component for the
5-year program are identified in the “Operational Needs and Estimated
Costs” table. The projected costs for this Initiative are but a fraction of the
economic impact that zebra mussels will inflict if they invade and become
established in western waters.
IV. Operational
Needs and
Estimated Costs
14
Operational Needs and Estimated Costs Table
Tasks and associated costs required for implementing the 100th Meridian Initiative.
Component I: Information and Education Participants Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Task 1: Complete development of a USFWS
theme, brochure, poster, and sticker Boat/U.S.
describing the Initiative (completed) BPA
Task 2: Print 500,000 brochures USFWS $50,000
Task 3: Produce 2,500 posters USFWS $1,875
Task 4: Produce 100,000 stickers USFWS $500
Task 5: Place and replenish brochures USFWS $5,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000
and posters at visitor centers, weigh
stations, and rest areas west of the
Mississippi River
Task 6: Produce and erect billboards USFWS $25,000 $22,000 $22,000 $22,000 $22,000
to be used on 11 highway corridors Manitoba
ND, SD, NE
KS, OK, TX
Task 7: Develop and print a zebra USFWS $10,000
mussel advisory sign
Task 8: Post zebra mussel advisory Jurisdictions $3,600
signs at public boat access sites west west of the
of the Mississippi River MS River
Task 9: Create TV and radio public USFWS $10,000 $10,000 $2,000
information spots on preventative Sea Grant
messages including inspections
Task 10: Broadcast spots on USFWS $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
radio and TV
Task 11: Attend boating and USFWS $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000
sportfishing shows to advertise Sea Grant
the Initiative States
Task 12: Place Initiative information 100th meridian
in State boater registration packages jurisdictions
and fishing regulations when feasible and those west
Task 13: Develop articles for USFWS
newspapers and magazines Sea Grant
States
Provinces
Subtotals $130,975 $58,000 $50,000 $48,000 $48,000
Component II: Voluntary Participants Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
boat inspections and boater surveys
Task 1: Develop standard inspection USFWS $10,000 $2,000
procedures Manitoba
ND, SD, NB,
KS, OK, TX
Task 2: Hire and train boat inspectors USFWS $109,000 $252,000 $504,000 $504,000 $504,000
States
Task 3: Develop, reproduce, and USFWS $200 $100 $50 $50 $50
disseminate inspection and survey forms
Task 4: Submit completed forms USFWS $36 $36 $36 $36 $36
to USFWS MB, ND, SD,
NB, KS, OK,
TX
Subtotals $119,236 $254,136 $504,086 $504,086 $504,086
Component III: Commercially hauled boats
Task 1: Locate firms that haul USFWS $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000
boats commercially
Task 2: Contact those firms
explaining the Initiative and requesting
their participation
Task 3: Meet with representatives of
firms to discuss the Initiative
Task 4: Develop training program for USFWS
boat inspectors
Task 5: Develop and produce USFWS $1,500
certification for inspectors
Task 6: Develop, reproduce and USFWS $150 $50
disseminate inspection forms
Task 7: Develop a list of contacts for USFWS $4,000
professional fishing tournaments
Task 8: Contact tournament organizers USFWS $5,000 $2,000
and inform them about the Initiative
and encourage their participation
Task 9: Attend professional fishing USFWS $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
tournaments States west
of the
MS River
Task 10: Train and certify tournament USFWS
representatives to inspect boats
Task 11: Contact State and USFWS $10,000 $7,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000
tribal agencies and encourage them
to address the transportation of
zebra mussels and other ANS in
their regulations
Subtotals $49,000 $39,000 $35,000 $36,650 $35,050
15
Component IV: Monitoring Participants Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Task 1: Develop a list of zebra mussel USFWS $7,000
monitoring activities west of the
100th meridian
Task 2: Perform risk assessments USFWS $250,000 $175,000 $100,000
of bodies of water west of the 100th BOR, Corps
meridian BLM, States,
Power Co.
Task 3: Develop maps indicating areas USFWS $30,000 $80,000 $50,000
of high, low, and medium risk
Task 4: Monitor high-risk areas USFWS $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000
BOR, Corps
BLM, Tribes
States, Provinces,
Power Co.
Subtotals $637,000 $605,000 $500,000 $350,000 $350,000
Component V: Rapid Response
Task 1: Develop a response/containment plan USFWS $10,000
BOR, BLM
Tribes, States
Provinces
Task 2: Train response team USFWS $50,000
Task 3: Equip response team USFWS $100,000
Task 4: Implement response/containment USFWS $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000
plan when necessary
Subtotals $190,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000
Component VI: Identification and risk USFWS $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
assessment of additional pathways BOR $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
BLM $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
States
Provinces
Subtotals $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000
Component VII: Evaluation
Task 1: Develop assessment format USFWS $1,000
and disseminate to key persons involved
in implementing the Initiative
Task 2: Set up annual meeting to USFWS $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000
evaluate the Initiative
Task 3: Develop an annual assessment USFWS $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000
of the Initiative and make necessary BOR, BLM
modifications States, Provinces
Subtotals $9,000 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000
Grand Totals $1,165,211 $1,024,136 $1,157,086 $1,006,736 $1,005,136
16
TRAILERED BOAT SURVEY INTERVIEW FORM
Interviewer:_________________________Date:______Time:________am/pm
Location: _________________________________________________________
Type of Survey: Contact____ Observe____
Where From?
Purpose of Transport: Commercial ____ Personal ____
Other (explain) ____________________________________________________
Home State: ______ Zip Code: __________ Boat Number:______________
Trailer Tag: ______________________
How often has this boat been launched this year? __________
Do you remember where (you launched most recently)?
Water body 1______________________________________________________
State: ________ County: ____________________________________________
Water body 2______________________________________________________
State: ________ County: ____________________________________________
Water body 3______________________________________________________
State: ________ County: ____________________________________________
Water body 4______________________________________________________
State: ________ County: ____________________________________________
Where are you going? Do you have a definite destination?
Do you know where you are going to launch next?
Water body 1 _______________________________________ State: ______
Water body 2 _______________________________________ State: ______
Information Exchange: Viewed ____ Read _____Brochures Accepted _____
Results of boat inspection
Rejected: _________ Inspected: _______
Results Zebra Still Any Other Action
Mussels Alive? Vegetation? Exotics Taken
Boat Deck ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Boat Hull ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Bilge, bait wells ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Motor ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Trailer ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Fishing/other equip. ______ ________ ________ ________ ________
Other ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Appendix
100th Meridian Initiative to
Prevent the Westward Spread of
Zebra Mussel
Comments
Comments
17
TRAILERED BOAT SURVEY INTERVIEW SHORT FORM
Lake ___________________________ Park ____________ Date __________
1. Home state __________ ZIP Code ___________
2. Where was the boat used last?
Name of last water body ___________________________________________
State: _________
Number of days: ______
Name of second to last water body __________
State: _________
Number of days: ______
3. Boat was last used _________ (days) ago.
4. Destination from this lake/park __________________ _________ (state)
5. Have you ever heard of zebra mussels? Yes No
6. Have zebra mussels ever been attached to your boat? Yes No
7. Do you remove vegetation from your boat & trailer
after loading the boat? Yes No
Have information describing zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil
available for distribution.
100th Meridian Initiative to
Prevent the Westward Spread of
Zebra Mussel
18
California Department of Food and Agriculture, personal communication.
Cohen, A., A. Weinstein. 1998. The potential distribution and abundance of
zebra mussels in California Dreissena, Volume 9, #1, May 1998, pages 1,
2, and 3.
Dreissena, Volume 9, #1, May 1998, The 100th Meridian Initiative
introduction, page 4.
Fish Futures, Inc. 1994. Zebra mussel survey of boaters and inspection of
boats, summer 1994, border crossings and other key sites, Manitoba
watershed, Dwight Williamson, Manitoba Environment, Winnepeg,
Manitoba, Canada, page 10 (unpublished report).
Indiana Department of Natural Resources discussion with staff.
Karnaukhov, V. N., and A. V. Karnuakhov. 1993. Perspectives on the
ecological impacts of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in the
former USSR and in North America, pages 729-731 from Nalepa, T. F.
and D. W. Schloesser, Editors, Zebra mussels: biology, impacts and
controls, page 810 and from Tyus, H., P. Dwyer, and S. Whitmore, 1993.
Zebra mussels: Feasibility of preventing further invasion of the zebra
mussel into the western United States, page 9.
Machie, G. L. 1989. Biology of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
and observations of mussel colonization on unionid bivalves in Lake St.
Clair of the Great Lakes from Nalepa, T. F., D. W. Schloesser, Editors,
Zebra mussels: Biology, impacts, and control, pages 153 and 162.
Machie, G. L., W. N. Gibbons, B. W. Muncaster, and I. M. Gray. 1989. The
zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha: A synthesis of European
experiences and a preview of North America. Water Resources Branch,
Great Lakes Section, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, London,
Ontario, page 76 and appendices from Marsden, J. E., Standard
protocols for monitoring and sampling zebra mussels, page 4.
Marsden, J. E. 1992. Standard protocols for monitoring and sampling zebra
mussels, pages 2, 3, and 4.
McMahon, R. F., T. A. Ussery, and M.. Clarke. 1993. Use of immersion as a
zebra mussel control method, Department of Biology, University of
Texas at Arlington. Prepared for the U.S. Corps of Engineers, contract
EL-93-1, page 33 from Tyus, H., P. Dwyer, and S. Whitmore, Zebra
mussel feasibility of preventing further invasion of the zebra mussel into
the western United States, page 9.
Miller, A. C., B. S. Payne, and R. F. McMahon. 1992. The zebra mussel:
biology, ecology, and recommended control strategies, U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, Waterways Experiment Station, Publications E-92-1,
Vicksburg, MS, page 5 from Tyus, H., P. Dwyer, and S. Whitmore, Zebra
mussel feasibility of preventing further invasion of the zebra mussel into
the western United States, page 9.
Nalepa, T. F., and D. W. Schloesser, editors. 1993. Zebra mussels: biology,
impacts, and control. Lewis publishers, Boca Raton, Florida, page 810
from Tyus, H., P. Dwyer, and S. Whitmore, Zebra mussels: Feasibility of
preventing further invasion of the zebra mussel into the western United
States, pages 8 and 9.
National Park Service information, Glen Canyon National Recreational
Area.
New York Sea Grant Extension Fact Sheet 1994. Don’t pick up hitchhikers!
Stop the zebra mussel!, 1994.
References
19
O’Neill, C. R. Jr. 1995. Economic impact of zebra mussels: The 1995
national zebra mussel information clearinghouse study, pages 1 and 2.
O’Neill, C. R. Jr. 1996. The zebra mussel: Impacts and control, pages 11, 12,
13, 14, and 17.
Schloesser, D. W., and W. P. Kovalak. 1991. Infestation of unionids by
Dreissena polymorpha in a power plant canal in Lake Erie. Journal of
Shellfish Research 10(2):355-359 from Tyus, H., P. Dwyer, and S.
Whitmore, Zebra Mussels: Feasibility of preventing further invasion of
the zebra mussel into the western United States, page 10.
Sea Grant Great Lakes Network April 7, 1998. Zebra mussels and other
nonindigenous species.
The 100th Meridian Initiative - Action Plan Draft, January 9, 1998.
Tyus, H., Dwyer, W. P., and Whitmore S. 1993. Zebra mussels: Feasibility of
preventing further invasion of the zebra mussel into the western United
States. Pages 9, 19, and 20.
USGS news release September 18, 1997. Zebra mussels are spreading
rapidly, USGS reports.
20
U.S.
FISH & WILDLIFE
SERVICE
DEPARTMENT OFTHE INTERIOR
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
1 800/344 WILD
http://www.fws.gov
February 2001